For over a decade, the Dodhia Group has been a frontrunner in innovation and expansion, becoming a major player in India’s textile, chemical, and plastic recycling industries. They’ve achieved impressive growth and have a global presence.
Dodhia prioritises using the latest technology to create high-quality products and develop new possibilities. Their focus is on exceeding customer expectations and contributing to a more sustainable future.
During Bharat Tex 2024, the TVC Media team had the opportunity to interview Mr Ritesh Dodhia, who handles domestic sales for the Dodhia Group.
How was your experience till now in Bharat Tex?
Bharat Tex VVR is a much better platform than others. It is larger and has more visitors. It is the best platform because the entire value chain is involved. This benefits Dodhia Group because we can show our products to those who are making the final product with our yarn. This is a very good platform for us.
Do you think this event should happen every year?
We’ve seen major textile fairs like the Canton Fair and International Fairs happening annually. If Bharat Tex follows a similar yearly schedule, it can significantly boost the textile industry’s growth.
As you must have attended many events, What is the difference you find in this exhibition and an international exhibition?
The biggest difference between this platform and others is that it offers a complete value chain. This means that we can show all of our products, regardless of the sector in which they operate. This is a great opportunity for us, as it allows us to reach a wider audience. Our customers are also very happy with the variety of products that we offer.
What are the innovations you have brought in this exhibition from the Dodhia Group?
The government has created this exhibition to promote sustainability. We are showcasing a variety of recycled products, including carpets made from recycled materials. We are proud to be part of the government’s efforts to create a more sustainable future.
How is the growth in the sustainability industry?
While international brands have long dominated the market, there’s a growing shift towards sustainability across the board. Some major companies are already transitioning their entire production chains to incorporate recycling by 2025 or 2026. This trend reflects a rising awareness among young consumers, particularly on social media. The demand for sustainable and recycled products is undeniable, driven by a growing understanding of their positive environmental impact. Consumers are taking pride in being part of this movement.
The Indian Market’s Rise in Sustainability: The concept of sustainability, a global buzzword, is gaining significant traction in the Indian market as well. Over the past two years, there’s been a surge in awareness among consumers. India’s vast and developing market is witnessing significant research and development (R&D) efforts in sustainability. This trend extends to other companies actively evolving their practices. The future of sustainability in the Indian market holds immense potential.
In your total revenue hum much per cent is domestic and how much is international?
Our income is evenly split between international exports and domestic sales, with each contributing 50% to our total revenue of approximately 1200 crores last year. The top line stood at 100 crores, which marked the conclusion of the fiscal year. Anticipating growth, we project a higher closing figure this year, with an expected increase ranging from 8 to 10%.
Do you also do research and development?
Our company prioritises research and development (R&D). We believe it’s the engine that drives innovation and keeps us ahead of the curve. Our Dodhia Group is dedicated to continuous research, resulting in daily advancements and the creation of entirely new products.
To achieve this, we’ve established a strong in-house infrastructure. We handle all the value-addition steps between raw material and fabric production. This allows us to develop truly unique offerings for the market.
We do have a dedicated team focused on innovation. However, it’s a collaborative effort. Our management team and sales team are constantly evolving and providing valuable insights. Additionally, we leverage the expertise of a team of designers, both domestically and internationally.
What is your vision for the next five years?
We are in the process of significantly increasing our current capacity. Our areas of focus include chemicals and plastic recycling. The chemicals business will see a capacity enhancement in the current financial year, while our plastic recycling operations, geared towards the bottle-to-bottle and textile industries, are also expanding. We are additionally developing recycled chips for the textile sector. As for the scale of the expansion, while revenue projections are still being finalised, our production capacity will be doubled. Presently recycling 100 tonnes daily, we aim to reach 200 tonnes by August and 180 tonnes by December this year.
Is there consumption in the recycling market?
Consumption is increasing, and everyone is coming to India to take advantage of it. This is putting pressure on Indian companies to meet the demand. However, this is also a good sign for the Indian economy, as it means that there is a lot of growth potential. Indian brands are also starting to accept this, and many of them have already started putting tags on their store lines. This is a very good sign for the future of the Indian retail industry.
Since you are now in the yarn business will you be interested in Fabric and Apparel products in the future?
Our three-year gold plan does not currently include any fabric evolution. We are focused on expanding our three existing verticals.
What is your message for young entrepreneurs?
Entrepreneurs, especially young entrepreneurs who are at the international level, are very fast. They are very aggressive on social media and get inspiration from there. However, in the textile industry, it is important to keep working hard. The results may come a little later, but they will definitely come if you work hard.
Our company is also lucky to have a young team. We believe that young people are energetic, innovative, and have a fresh perspective on things. They are also more likely to be open to new ideas and technologies. This makes them a valuable asset to any company.
